May 2007 Issue
May 2007
Features
Featured articles from the May 2007 issue of Modern Machine Shop
Energy Saving Factory Automation Equipment and the Environment
The application of energy efficient motor systems can greatly reduce the overall environmental impact and cost to operate this equipment. Advancements in electric motor design and the associated drive system in modern automation equipment can be extremely energy efficient. Much of the time the most energy efficient machine will also have the highest performance but there is normally an upfront cost associated with the performance and efficiency. That added cost related with selecting energy efficient equipment may be easily returned as lowered energy costs, high performance and reliability.
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Expanding The Expanding Mandrel's Usefulness
This expanding mandrel is designed to locate and hold thin-walled parts on the ID to avoid distortion during precision machining. It can also be used to hold heavy parts with large bores for heavy machining operations.
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From Out Of The Lab
Disruptive technology's purpose is to disrupt the way machining is done. This article includes some of the developments to come out of the Machining Technology Laboratory (MTL), an R&D initiative dedicated to finding innovations in metalworking processes.
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Vacuum Workholding Method Fits New Machining Strategy
Increased demand for armor plating components led this shop to completely revamp its machining technique. Rather than machining individual workpieces, the shop produces multiple components nested in an aluminum plate. A custom vacuum workholding system plays a significant role in this new strategy.
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Workholding That Holds Off Chatter
Clamping fixtures can be part of the problem when chatter occurs in a high speed machining process. Researchers have now discovered that clamping fixtures can also be part of the solution. A supplier of integrated tooling systems has developed palletized workholding that uses a viscoelastic layer to absorb vibrational energy, thus reducing the tendency for a machining process to cause chatter. The benefits of this technology are improved surface finish, lower cutting forces and longer tool life.
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Why We Use Honing
 A gear manufacturer describes the advantages it realizes by sizing and finishing bores through automated honing.
Read MoreLet's Get Fired Up
Helldoom the Bloodslurper, a set of lower teeth, a finger ring shaped like a skull and a curvy appliance handle—these were some of the objects arrayed on the countertop as part of a display at a recent trade show. The odd assortment had three things in common, the most important being a powerful appeal to the imagination.
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Applying Creative Workholding Techniques
Not all parts can be fixtured by conventional workholding methods. Here are a few examples of ways that shops secure feisty workpieces for milling and turning operations.
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Unattended Machining Makes Oral Orthotics More Affordable
This shop makes the oral devices that helped the shop owner and members of his family. Unattended machining is the key to making this therapy more accessible.
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Boosting Machine Spindle Speed For Micromachining Applications
Small-diameter micromachining tools require very high rpm for sufficient cutting speed and material removal rates. This air spindle provides 80,000 rpm and an untethered compressed air interface to allow automatic changeovers using the machine's ATC.
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Aerospace Shops: Remain Innovative
It’s Not My Egg Roll!
A New Search, And A New Search
Why A Negative MPE May Be Very Positive
You Don’t Have To Lose Your Wealth To The IRS
